Denim is durable, but jeans wear in predictable places.
Repairing them is often quick and keeps a favourite pair going.
Common repairs
- Inner thigh holes — patch from the inside and stitch over
- Ripped knees — patch or visible mending with sashiko-style stitching
- Broken zips — replace at a tailor
- Frayed hems — re-hem or trim
- Missing buttons — replace with a jeans button kit
Patching
Cut a patch larger than the hole from old denim. Pin it inside and stitch by hand or machine in rows over the worn area.
Care to prevent wear
Wash jeans less often, turn inside out, and air dry.
Get help
Many tailors and repair cafés fix jeans cheaply. See our mending guide.
Visible mending
Visible mending turns repairs into a design feature. Sashiko — a Japanese stitching technique using simple running stitches — is popular for denim patches. Contrasting thread, colourful patches, or embroidery can make a pair of jeans unique. It is also forgiving for beginners, since stitches do not need to be invisible.
This is general sustainability information. Recycling, composting, and disposal rules vary by municipality — check local guidance. Cost and energy savings are estimates and depend on your home and usage.